Microsoft's Zune portable media player hasn't managed to severely dent the market share occupied by Apple's iPod, but it has picked up a number of faithful followers.
It'll come as welcome news to them, then, to hear that Microsoft's player isn't done and dusted just yet and the Redmond outfit could have a lot more in store for 2009.
With the rumour mill chucking out an unusually large number of theories, we've decided to just list the best of the bunch. So, here goes:
- Microsoft will launch new Zune devices this year (fact)
According to Brian Seltz, Group Manager of Zune, Microsoft will be launching new Zune hardware in 2009. There are, of course, no specific details just yet, but the Zune v2 launched back in October 2007 is certainly due a refresh.
- Zune will be launched internationally in 2009 (rumour)
Despite claims of a confirmed international launch, Microsoft itself hasn't yet announced any such plans and it remains merely a rumour. Nonetheless, if "sources within the company" are to be believed, the Zune will be heading to Australia, China and Europe this fall.
Backing up these claims was a Microsoft job posting looking to recruit a new member to the Zune team in an effort to support its "big plans that extend around the world".
- The next Zune will be tied closely to Windows Mobile 7 (rumour)
We've only just seen Windows Mobile 6.5, but with the Zune's software team recently integrated into Microsoft's entertainment and devices group, we can expect Zune and other devices to live closer to one another. According to LiveSide.net, an independent news and information site focusing on Windows Live, the next Zune device will provide "a sneak peak at some of Windows Mobile 7’s features a year early".
Whether or not we'll see a Zune Phone, however, remains unknown.
- The next Zune will feature a touchscreen (rumour)
LiveSide.net contributor Ryan - a self-confessed "total Microsoft geek" - has been known to have close ties to Microsoft and has recently been excessively twittering the word "touch", closing with "I would expect a touch of summer to be left in the air".
Eagle-eyed Zune followers have quickly caught on and now believe that a touchscreen Zune is on course for a summer launch. Clutching at straws, perhaps, but with Microsoft's touch technology making strides in its Surface devices and Windows 7, a multi-touch Zune isn't a stretch of the imagination.
- Netflix to be integrated into Zune devices (rumour)
The final rumour, again originating from Ryan's twitter, suggests that the Netflix video service will be integrated into Zune devices. In a not-too-cryptic code, Ryan tweets "If I said Nothing Everyone Thinks, Fudge Lets Ignore his eXtra tweets. Thats All I can say for now."
Given Microsoft's close relationship to Netflix on the Xbox 360, it's a rumour that once again isn't inconceivable.
We'll believe it when we see it, but if you're inclined to believe what you hear on the rumour mill, we could be seeing a multi-touch Zune with Netflix integration and a Windows Mobile 7-like interface launched later this year. More importantly, we could be seeing it in the UK.
